The scariest thing about Halloween might not be the ghosts and goblins running around the streets, but instead the serious dangers that can arise on the spooky night.  From choosing a costume to trick-or-treating and indulging in treats, Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill., offers the following safety tips to keep children happy and healthy on Halloween. 

According to Michael Ward, M.D., a family practitioner on the medical staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Halloween safety begins before trick-or-treating starts.  "When planning a costume, make sure that it is both safe and comfortable for the child to wear," Dr. Ward said.  "The child should be able to see clearly when wearing the costume.  Instead of a mask, which can obstruct vision, consider hypoallergenic makeup to decorate the face."   

According to the National Safety Council, falls are the number one cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.  When choosing a costume, parents must consider if it is safe for walking.  "The child must be able to move freely without tripping," Ward explained.  "Avoid long bottoms, oversized shoes, or high heels that might lead to falls." 

The types of materials used should be a major consideration when deciding on a costume.  "Dark colors are popular on Halloween, but it is safer for kids to dress in lighter shades," Ward said.  "Brighter colors will be most visible to motorists at night."  Reflective tape can be added to costumes and candy bags for added visibility.  Remove any dangerous accessories from costumes, including parts made of hard plastic or anything that has sharp points or edges.  Parents should also verify that materials used in a costume are flame retardant. 

Once trick-or-treating begins, Dr. Ward believes safety is a responsibility of both trick-or-treaters and community residents.  "Children must be taught ahead of time to stay on sidewalks, watch for traffic, and to follow a specific route," said Dr. Ward.  "While the safest trick-or-treating is with adult supervision, make sure that if older children go alone they have identification, contact information and, if possible, a cell phone to make emergency calls." 

Homeowners are also responsible for keeping trick-or-treaters safe.  "Make sure there is a clear path to your house, with no decorations in the way or wet leaves on the ground that might cause a child to fall," said Dr. Ward.  "Check ahead of time that your exterior lights work."  Pets should be kept secure indoors for the safety of visitors and the animal. 

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four times more deaths occur among children, 5 to 14, while walking on Halloween than on any other night of the year.  For this reason, Dr. Ward stresses the importance of not only reminding children to be aware and cautious when crossing streets, but drivers must also be prepared for trick-or-treaters.  Drivers should diligently watch for children running into the street and be especially careful when entering and exiting driveways.  "Drive slowly and cautiously on Halloween," said Dr. Ward.  "With the added pedestrian traffic, motorists must be vigilant when navigating the roads, especially through neighborhoods." 

Halloween is also an excellent opportunity to teach children about healthy eating habits. Children should be instructed to not consume any treats until returning home.   "Make sure the child is well fed with a healthy meal before trick-or-treating begins," said Sheana Brighton, a registered dietitian at Advocate South Suburban Hospital.  "This will prevent filling up on candy.  It also isn't a bad idea to have a snack available, such as fruit, in case your trick-or-treater becomes hungry along the way." 

All candy should be checked for signs of tampering before the child is allowed to indulge.  "Be cautious and remove any item that you think the child might be allergic to or have trouble swallowing," Brighton said.  "Anything is unwrapped, damaged or not commercially packaged, such as homemade items, should be disposed of as a precaution." 

Instead of letting the child have free access to the Halloween candy stash, parents should consider rationing the treats.  "Put candy away and control when the child eats it," Brighton said.  "This prevents overeating and will make the treats last a little longer."

For parents who want to encourage health eating for more than just their own children, consider handing out small toys instead of the traditional Halloween candy.